Smoking implement with child safety

ABSTRACT

A smoking device is disclosed herein. The smoking device comprises a body having a first end and a second end. The body includes a mouthpiece portion configured adjacent the first end and an extension portion extending from the mouthpiece portion, the free end of the extension portion defining the second end of the body, the extension portion comprising an inlet opening for introducing a smokable material into the body. The smoking device further comprises a child-resistant cap assembly configured for assembly on the second end of the body.

PRIORITY

The present Non-provisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent application with Ser. No. 63/225,361, filed on Jul. 23, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to smoking devices, and more specifically, to a smoking device configured for containing a smokable material and equipped with a child-resistant feature and a tamper evident feature.

BACKGROUND

Recreational smoking of smokable plant matter, such as tobacco, marijuana, and the like has been practiced since ages. Various methods and devices have been developed in the art for improving or enhancing the smoking experience. For example, for a person who is smoking solo, a cigarette or a paper rolled joint may be the most appealing method to enjoy a good smoke. A group of friends, however, may prefer a hookah or a chillum pipe since the quantity of the plant material that can be accommodated in a hookah or a chillum pipe may be much more than what a paper rolled joint or a cigarette can hold.

It is to be noted that smoking of any plant matter may cause medical issues associated with the respiratory track of the user. As such, it is not a coincidence that it is illegal for individuals under the age of 21 years to possess or purchase tobacco and marijuana products. While young adults or teenagers understand that handling tobacco and marijuana products is against the law, the same cannot be said about toddlers and children. A moment of carelessness may at times happen to the most careful and diligent parents, where a child may come in possession of a chillum pipe that may have been forgetfully placed at a location accessible to the child. In such a scenario, it is required for the chillum pipe to have some kind of child-resistant feature, which will provide time to an adult in the vicinity of the child to take immediate action.

Therefore, there exists a previously unappreciated need for a new and improved smoking device that incorporates in it a child-resistant feature as well as a tamper-evident feature. It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention describes a packaging container, which includes an auxiliary lid for sealing the packaging container in a substantially air-tight manner once the packaging container has been opened or unsealed for maintaining the quality of the food item.

The present subject matter envisages smoking device. The smoking device comprises a body having a first end and a second end. The body includes a mouthpiece portion configured adjacent the first end and an extension portion extending from the mouthpiece portion, the free end of the extension portion defining the second end of the body, the extension portion comprising an inlet opening for introducing a smokable material into the body. The smoking device further comprises a child-resistant cap assembly configured for assembly on the second end of the body.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece portion defines a smoke opening for allowing inhalation of smoke from lit smokable matter present in the body of the smoking device.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the smoking device further comprises a pin configured for insertion within the smoke opening for closing the smoke opening.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the extension portion comprises a first thread formation configured adjacent the adjacent the second end externally on the extension portion.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the child-resistant cap assembly comprises an intermediate cap comprising a second thread formation configured for engagement with the first thread formation, the second thread formation configured on an inner surface of the intermediate cap; and an end cap configured for assembly over the intermediate cap and having a first length, wherein the first length is greater than a length of the extension portion, the end cap configured for selective child-resistant engagement with the intermediate cap.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the intermediate cap comprises a plurality of locking protrusions configured at an operative end thereof.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the end cap has a hollow cylindrical configuration defined by a sidewall and an end wall, wherein the end wall comprises a plurality of locking pockets configured for selective engagement with the plurality of locking protrusions.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the selective engagement is the child-resistant feature of the smoking device. The selective engagement is facilitated by assembling the end cap over the intermediate cap, wherein the intermediate cap is in threaded engagement with the extension portion of the body. The end cap is then pressed and rotated against the intermediate cap for the removal or assembly of the intermediate cap over the extension portion via the selective engagement. More specifically, the selective engagement is absent when the end cap is rotated without being pressed against the intermediate cap, thereby enabling the child-resistant feature.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the selective engagement is facilitated by engagement of the plurality of locking protrusion with the plurality of locking pockets when the end cap is pressed against the intermediate cap.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the body is made of a transparent material.

These and many other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and how to make the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

The aspects and other features of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference number in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a smoking device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the smoking device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of a body of the smoking device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate different views of an intermediate cap of the smoking device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 through FIG. 8 illustrate different views of an end cap of the smoking device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate a tamper-evident feature of the smoking device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 11 through FIG. 16 illustrate a smoking device in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a smoking device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the smoking device 100. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the smoking device 100 comprises a body 102 having a first end 102A and a second end 102B. The body 102 comprises a smoke opening 104 configured on the first end 102A. A child-resistant cap assembly 106 is configured on the second end 102B. The provision of the child-resistant cap assembly 106 on the smoking device 100 allows an adult person the time to act if a toddler inadvertently comes in possession of the smoking device 100. The constructional details and the operation of the child-resistant cap assembly 106 are discussed in the subsequent sections of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of the body 102 of the smoking device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the body 102 of the smoking device 100 includes a mouthpiece portion 108 configured adjacent the first end 102A, and an extension portion 110 extending from the mouthpiece portion 108. The free end of the extension portion 110 defines the second end 102B of the body 102. The extension portion 110 comprises an inlet opening 112 for introducing a smokable material into the body. In accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, the smokable material may a kind of a smokable plant material including, but not limited to, tobacco, marijuana, mullein (verbascum thapsus), skullcap (scutellaria spp.), coltsfoot (tussilago farfara), mugwort (artemesia vulgaris), uva-ursi (arctostaphylos uva-ursi), mint (mentha spp.), sage (salvia spp.), and the like.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter, the body 102 may be made of a transparent material including, but not limited to, glass and other polymeric materials capable of withstanding the high temperatures attained by burning of the smokable material placed therewithin. The transparent appearance of the body 102 allows the user to visually inspect the smokable material without having to open the child-resistant cap assembly 106 for gaining access to the interior of the body 102.

As seen in FIG. 1 , the mouthpiece portion 108 defines the smoke opening 104 for allowing inhalation of smoke from lit smokable matter present in the body 102 of the smoking device 100. In some embodiments, a filter material block may be incorporated adjacent the smoke opening 104 within the body 102 for preventing inhalation of the ash generated due to burning of the smokable material within the body 102.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter, the smoking device 100 further comprises a pin 114 configured for insertion within the smoke opening 104 for closing the smoke opening 104. In one embodiment, the pin 114 may also be used to unclog the smoke opening 104 to facilitate obstruction free inhalation.

Referring back to FIG. 2 , the smoking device 100 further comprises the child-resistant cap assembly 106 configured for assembly on the second end 102B of the body 102. The child-resistant cap assembly 106 comprises an intermediate cap 116 and an end cap 118. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate different views of the intermediate cap 116 of the smoking device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to FIG. 2 , FIG. 4 , and FIG. 5 , the intermediate cap 116 is configured for assembly at the second end 102B of the body 102. In one embodiment, the extension portion 110 comprises a first thread formation 120 configured adjacent the adjacent the second end 102B externally on the extension portion 110. The intermediate cap 116, in accordance with one embodiment, comprises a second thread formation 122 configured for engagement with the first thread formation 120. The second thread formation 122 is configured on an inner surface 116A of the intermediate cap 116. The intermediate cap 116 is fitted onto the inlet opening 112, via the engagement of the first and second thread formations 120, 122, to ensure that that the smoking material remains securely contained within the body 102 of the smoking device 100. An advantageous aspect of such a construction is that the smoking material need not be carried in a separate container or a packet, and the user may simply load the smokable material into the body 102 for later usage.

FIG. 6 through FIG. 8 illustrate different views of the end cap 118 of the smoking device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The end cap 118 is the second component of the child-resistant cap assembly 106. The end cap 118 is configured for assembly over the intermediate cap 116. The end cap 118 is configured for selective child-resistant engagement with the intermediate cap 116. In one embodiment, the end cap 118 has a hollow cylindrical configuration defined by a sidewall 118A and an end wall 118B. The end cap 118 has a first length, wherein the first length is greater than a length of the extension portion 110.

The child-resistant feature of the child-resistant cap assembly 106 is enabled by facilitating selective engagement of the end cap 118 with the intermediate cap 116. In accordance with one exemplary implementation of the present subject matter, the selective engagement of the end cap 118 and the intermediate cap 116 is facilitated by a plurality of locking protrusions 126 (as seen in FIG. 5 ) and a plurality of locking pockets 128 (as seen in FIG. 7 ). The plurality of locking protrusions 126 is configured on the intermediate cap 116 at a free operative end thereof, while the plurality of locking pockets 128 are configured on an inner side of the end wall 118B of the end cap 118.

To facilitate the selective engagement between the intermediate cap 116 and the end cap 118, the end cap 118 is disposed over the intermediate cap 116 that is attached to the extension portion 110. In this position, the intermediate cap 116 is inserted within the end cap 118, and the end cap 118 is just spaced apart from an end face 108A of the mouthpiece portion 108 (refer FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 ). In one embodiment, the dimensions of the intermediate cap 116 and the end cap 118 are designed to facilitate a friction fit between the intermediate cap 116 and the end cap 118 to ensure that the end cap 118 maintains that fitment on the intermediate cap 116 and does not accidently fall off. Subsequent to the assembly of the intermediate cap 116 on the end cap 118, the end cap 118 is pressed against the intermediate cap 116 to enable complete engagement of the plurality of locking protrusions 126 with the plurality of locking pockets 128. Once the complete engagement is enabled, the end cap 118 may be rotated for removing the intermediate cap 116 from the inlet opening 112 to gain access to the interior of the body 102. The rotation of the intermediate cap 116 triggers the threaded engagement or disengagement with the extension portion 110. It is to be noted that first length of the end cap 118 is designed to ensure that when the end cap 118 is pressed to facilitate engagement of the locking protrusions and the locking pockets, a distal end 118C of the end cap 118 flushes with the end face 108A of the mouthpiece portion 108.

Furthermore, it is to be noted that when the end cap 118 is not pressed against the intermediate cap 116 prior to rotation, the engagement between the locking protrusions and the locking pockets is absent, and in such a scenario, the end cap 118 only rotates over the intermediate cap 116 without actually causing the removal of the intermediate cap 116 from the inlet opening 112. Such a feature makes it difficult for a toddler to accidentally gain access to the smokable material within the smoking device 100, while allowing an adult in the vicinity sufficient time to act.

The smoking device 100 also includes a tamper evident feature. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate a tamper-evident feature 150 of the smoking device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. It is to be noted that the tamper-evident feature 150 of the smoking device 100 is facilitated via a label or a sticker 152. The label 152 is placed on the end cap 118 such that the label 152 extends over the junction between the end cap 118 and the body 102. More specifically, the length of the label 152 is greater than the length of the end cap 118 so that the label covers the junction between the end cap 118 and the body 102. If there is an attempt to gain unauthorized access to the smoking material by twisting the end cap 118, the label 152 gets ripped R, as shown in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 11 through FIG. 16 illustrate a smoking device in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In the exemplary embodiment shown in these views, FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of smoking device 100, which includes a cap 106 shown coupled on the body 102 of the device. FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplar embodiment depicted in FIG. 11 along line segment A-A; FIG. 13 shows smoking device 100 without cap 106 to expose inlet opening 112 as well as the chamber in which the smoking material is situated; and FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the thereof. FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are views along line segments D-D and C-C, respectively.

In this exemplary embodiment, the smoking device 100 comprises a body 102 having a first end and a second end. The body 102 comprises a smoke opening 104 configured on the first end. A child-resistant cap assembly 106 is configured on the second end. The provision of the child-resistant cap assembly 106 on the smoking device 100 allows an adult person the time to act if a toddler inadvertently comes in possession of the smoking device 100. The body 102 of the smoking device 100 includes a mouthpiece portion configured adjacent the first end and an extension portion extending from the mouthpiece portion. The extension portion comprises an inlet opening 112 for introducing a smokable material into the body. In accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, the smokable material may a kind of a smokable plant material including, but not limited to, tobacco, marijuana, mullein (verbascum thapsus), skullcap (scutellaria spp.), coltsfoot (tussilago farfara), mugwort (artemesia vulgaris), uva-ursi (arctostaphylos uva-ursi), mint (mentha spp.), sage (salvia spp.), and the like.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter, the body 102 may be made of a transparent material including, but not limited to, glass and other polymeric materials capable of withstanding the high temperatures attained by burning of the smokable material placed therewithin. The transparent appearance of the body 102 allows the user to visually inspect the smokable material without having to open the child-resistant cap assembly 106 for gaining access to the interior of the body 102.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter, the smoking device 100 further comprises a pin 114 configured for insertion within the smoke opening 104 for closing the smoke opening 104. In one embodiment, the pin 114 may also be used to unclog the smoke opening 104 to facilitate obstruction free inhalation.

The smoking device 100 further comprises the child-resistant cap assembly 106 configured for assembly on the second end of the body 102. An advantageous aspect of such a construction is that the smoking material need not be carried in a separate container or a packet, and the user may simply load the smokable material into the body 102 for later usage.

In exemplary embodiments, a length L1 of the body 162 may be greater than a length L2 of the portion of the body that is configured for holding the smokable material. Similarly, a width W1 of the body 102 may be greater than a width W2 of the portion of the body that is configured for holding the smokable material. In exemplary embodiments, inside body 102 a divider 162 may be situated in order to provide a stop for holding the smokable material. As shown in the views, divider 162 may include a plurality of openings to allow smoke to travel through while the device is in use. Moreover, a guide, such as for example a spiralling structure 161 may be implemented within the cavity of body 102 in order to guide the smoke when using the device.

A smoking device has been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims.

The benefits and advantages which may be provided by the present invention have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features of any or all of the embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A smoking device comprising: a body having a first end and a second end, the body comprising: a mouthpiece portion configured adjacent the first end; an extension portion extending from the mouthpiece portion, the free end of the extension portion defining the second end of the body, the extension portion comprising an inlet opening for introducing a smokable material into the body; and a child-resistant cap assembly configured for assembly on the second end of the body.
 2. The smoking device according to claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece portion defines a smoke opening for allowing inhalation of smoke from lit smokable matter present in the body of the smoking device.
 3. The smoking device according to claim 2, further comprising a pin configured for insertion within the smoke opening for closing the smoke opening.
 4. The smoking device according to claim 1, wherein extension portion comprises a first thread formation configured adjacent the adjacent the second end externally on the extension portion.
 5. The smoking device according to claim 4, wherein the child-resistant cap assembly comprises: an intermediate cap comprising a second thread formation configured for engagement with the first thread formation, the second thread formation configured on an inner surface of the intermediate cap; and an end cap configured for assembly over the intermediate cap and having a first length, wherein the first length is greater than a length of the extension portion, the end cap configured for selective child-resistant engagement with the intermediate cap.
 6. The smoking device according to claim 5, wherein the intermediate cap comprises a plurality of locking protrusions configured at an operative end thereof.
 7. The smoking device according to claim 6, wherein the end cap has a hollow cylindrical configuration defined by a sidewall and an end wall, wherein the end wall comprises a plurality of locking pockets configured for selective engagement with the plurality of locking protrusions.
 8. The smoking device according to claim 7, wherein the selective engagement is the child-resistant feature of the smoking device, wherein the selective engagement is facilitated by assembling the end cap over the intermediate cap, wherein the intermediate cap is in threaded engagement with the extension portion of the body, followed by pressing and rotation of the end cap over the intermediate cap, wherein the removal or assembly of the intermediate cap over the extension portion is facilitated by the selective engagement.
 9. The smoking device according to claim 8, wherein the selective engagement is absent when the end cap is rotated without being pressed against the intermediate cap, thereby enabling the child-resistant feature.
 10. The smoking device according to claim 9, wherein the selective engagement is facilitated by engagement of the plurality of locking protrusion with the plurality of locking pockets when the end cap is pressed against the intermediate cap.
 11. The smoking device according to claim 1, wherein the body is made of a transparent material.
 12. A smoking device comprising: a transparent body having a first end and a second end, the body comprising: a conical mouthpiece portion configured adjacent the first end; a cylindrical extension portion extending from the conical mouthpiece portion, the free end of the extension portion defining the second end of the body, the extension portion comprising an inlet opening for introducing a smokable material into the body; a child-resistant cap assembly configured for assembly on the second end of the body; and a tamper evident feature provided on the child-resistant cap assembly and the body.
 13. The smoking device according to claim 12, wherein the mouthpiece portion defines a smoke opening for allowing inhalation of smoke from lit smokable matter present in the body of the smoking device.
 14. The smoking device according to claim 12, further comprising a pin configured for insertion within the smoke opening for closing the smoke opening.
 15. The smoking device according to claim 1, wherein extension portion comprises a first thread formation configured adjacent the adjacent the second end externally on the extension portion.
 16. The smoking device according to claim 15, wherein the child-resistant cap assembly comprises: an intermediate cap comprising a second thread formation configured for engagement with the first thread formation, the second thread formation configured on an inner surface of the intermediate cap; and an end cap configured for assembly over the intermediate cap and having a first length, wherein the first length is greater than a length of the extension portion, the end cap configured for selective child-resistant engagement with the intermediate cap.
 17. The smoking device according to claim 16, wherein the intermediate cap comprises a plurality of locking protrusions configured at an operative end thereof.
 18. The smoking device according to claim 17, wherein the end cap has a hollow cylindrical configuration defined by a sidewall and an end wall, wherein the end wall comprises a plurality of locking pockets configured for selective engagement with the plurality of locking protrusions.
 19. The smoking device according to claim 18, wherein the selective engagement is the child-resistant feature of the smoking device, wherein the selective engagement is facilitated by assembling the end cap over the intermediate cap, wherein the intermediate cap is in threaded engagement with the extension portion of the body, followed by pressing and rotation of the end cap over the intermediate cap, wherein the removal or assembly of the intermediate cap over the extension portion is facilitated by the selective engagement.
 20. The smoking device according to claim 19, wherein the selective engagement is absent when the end cap is rotated without being pressed against the intermediate cap, thereby enabling the child-resistant feature, and wherein the selective engagement is facilitated by engagement of the plurality of locking protrusion with the plurality of locking pockets when the end cap is pressed against the intermediate cap. 